Historic District Commission Minutes 01/08/2015

Meeting date: 
Thursday, January 8, 2015

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

JANUARY 8, 2015

MINUTES FROM REGULAR MEETING

 

 

 

I.          ROLL CALL

 

Chairperson Diane Mead called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  Commission members present were Betty Woollacott, Marguerite Rodney, Patricia Hyppa, and Jonathan Laschever.  Also in attendance were Rachel Blatt, Assistant Town Planner; Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk; and other interested parties. 

 

 

II.        APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

 

No alternates were appointed.

 

 

Chairman Mead made a motion to approve the Minutes first.

 

Commissioner Rodney seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

 

IV.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF December 4, 2014

 

Town Staff advised that under the revised FOI minutes policy the minutes no longer need to be signed with any changes made at the next meeting.

 

Commissioner Laschever made a motion to approve the December 4, 2014 minutes, as written.

 

Commissioner Rodney seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

 

 

III.       DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

 

            1.         Possible updated to Historic District Handbook

 

The Commissioners discussed potential changes/updates to the Historic District Handbook published in 1991.  It was noted that SHPO may provide funding for re-publication.  The Commissioners discussed the methodology for reviewing the handbook breaking it into sections.  Updating the handbook to incorporate composites in the material section on page 8, Standards for Rehabilitation, relating to removing/replacing materials and potential re-wording were discussed; a permit would not be needed for repairs.  The Commissioners noted that "where possible" would refer to the inability to use material like marble that is no longer available.  The Commissioners noted that these are Guidelines and are not set in stone; philosophically, when the Commission was established the intent was to provide guidelines and not be onerous.  It was noted that windows are the biggest issue with replacements potentially inappropriate for the Historic District.  The Commissioners discussed obtaining feedback from SHPO.  The Commissioners concern was for the guidelines to be clear enough while remaining open for interpretation and not oppressive.  The Commissioners noted that buildings from 1991 are now eligible to be contributing resources in an Historic District; it was suggested the period of significance be reviewed of the nomination of the District and it may be appropriate to add some language.  The Commissioners homework for the next meeting would be to review the Handbook through page 16, ending just prior to "Entrances and Porches". 

 

The Commissioners discussed whether any comment could be made regarding the unpermitted elimination of Vincent's porch, although it is not within HDC's purview.  Whether a letter regarding the building's historic significance in the Town could be sent was considered; the Design Review Board is currently waiting for further feedback from Town Staff.   Preservation/enhancement of the historic Webster Bank building proposed development was discussed and was taken into consideration by the Design Review Board in recommending approval.  The Commissioners discussed the loss of a beautiful historic brownstone at 1 West Street taken down about 15 years ago.  The Commission has conducted studies for other parts of Town; in West Hartford, historic houses throughout the town have been preserved although they are not part of an historic district.  Regarding undertaking a similar effort in Simsbury, the Commissioners discussed ongoing programs, including the Hartford Preservation Alliance awards program, e.g. best facade renovation, stewardship, etc., in which participants take a lot of pride.  The Commissioners agreed that Town Staff will draft a letter to DRB to consider the Vincent's building's historic significance as they review plans to replace the porch and its roof; Town Staff will email the draft letter to the Commissioners who will comment directly back to Town Staff and a final letter will be sent to DRB under the Chairperson's signature; care should be taken to assure the porch removed was historic and not a more recent rebuilt replacement.

 

 

V.        ADJOURNMENT

 

Commissioner Woollacott made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. 

 

Chairperson Mead seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Betty Woollacott, Secretary